Eagles training camp: One player to watch at each position

NFL training camps offer an opportunity for key contributors and under-the-radar talent to secure a regular-season role through intense effort and standout performances during joint practice sessions and preseason games.

The Eagles possess one of the strongest rosters in the NFL, with very few weaknesses or personnel gaps. They will return to the NovaCare Complex fully motivated after facing an offseason filled with slights and trash talk from their rivals. With the first practice hours away, we're looking at one player to watch at each key position for the Philadelphia Eagles during training camp.

QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson

After watching Tanner McKee shred the Giants, Philadelphia felt comfortable entering this season with the former Stanford star as the backup quarterback. The Eagles traded Kenny Pickett to Cleveland for former UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.  Thompson-Robinson initially joined the Eagles as the third-string quarterback, seeking a fresh start after his time with the Browns. The former UCLA star and 2023 fifth-round pick appeared in 15 games (five starts) for Cleveland over the past two seasons, completing 121 of his 230 pass attempts for 880 yards, one touchdown, and 10 interceptions. Additionally, Thompson-Robinson rushed for 187 yards on 35 attempts.

RB Montrell Johnson Jr.

Johnson, a 5-foot-11-inch, 216-pound running back, had an impressive college career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns. Known for his powerful running style, big-play ability, and reliable hands out of the backfield, Johnson became a solid running back for the Gators after transferring from Louisiana.

A former Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and an East-West Shrine Bowl participant, Johnson made an impact everywhere he played. He'll now press Will Shipley and AJ Dillon for a roster spot.

WR Giles Jackson

A shifty and electric wide receiver, Jackson, 5-9, 185 pounds, went undrafted after six collegiate seasons, two in Michigan and four with the Huskies. He had a breakout year in 2024, catching 85 passes for 893 yards and seven touchdowns. Giles capped off his final college season with an 11-catch, 161-yard performance against Louisville in the Sun Bowl. 

GOING DEEP!

Giles Jackson brings it in for the @UW_Football touchdown. pic.twitter.com/zVvzSqmcGN

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) December 31, 2024

TE Cameron Latu

Latu (6-5, 244), 24, was selected by San Francisco with pick No. 101 in the 2023 draft out of Alabama but has yet to see action in a regular-season NFL game.

Latu joins running back Trey Sermon, running back Tyrion Davis-Price, and wide receiver Danny Gray as former 49ers draft picks who have had stints with the Eagles. At Alabama, Latu played 26 games and caught 56 passes for 787 yards and 12 touchdowns, offering Philadelphia an athletic option at the position.

OL Hollin Pierce

A massive player standing 6-8, 341 pounds, the Trenton, New Jersey native was Rutgers' first offensive lineman to earn All-America status since Anthony Davis in 2009. He also earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 after starting 13 games at left tackle. He's a player to watch under Jeff Stoutland.

DT Gabe Hall

A rugged and versatile player at Baylor, a rookie free agent out of Baylor last season (6-6, 295 pounds), was on the practice squad for the entire season. He'll need a decisive training camp, but he can rush the passer and bring athleticism to the defensive tackle position.

LB Dallas Gant

A rookie free agent signing of the Vikings following the 2024 NFL Draft, Gant (6-2, 224 pounds) was a college teammate of cornerback Quinyon Mitchell at Toledo.

CB Tariq Castro-Fields

Castro-Fields was drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 draft by the 49ers. After a few months with the team, he was waived. The Commanders then picked him up, and he played in eight games, recording four tackles.

Castro-Fields was picked up on waivers by the Panthers to begin the 2024 season, and he played nine snaps on special teams. He will be looking to establish himself as a key player in the Eagles' talented secondary.

S Andre Sam

Sam spent the season on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. Sam (5-11, 191 pounds) jumped from FCS after starting his career in 2017 at McNeese State, where he was selected First Team All-Southland Conference twice. Sam transferred to Marshall for the 2022 season before spending his final season at LSU. Overall, he played 58 games in college, registering 144 tackles, ten pass defenses, and nine interceptions. Sam has spent the past two off-seasons training with C.J. Gardner-Johnson and could prepare to carve out a key role in year three.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles training camp: One player to watch at each position